Just days after former Villa Hills Police Chief Dan Goodenough retired, a posting for the position appeared on the city's website.

Goodenough's retirement was announced at the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing in the early hours of March 25. The hearing initially started March 17, and resumed at 6 p.m. March 24.

Mayor Mike Martin said in a March 28 phone conversation the city asked the Northern Kentucky Area Development District for help with the search.

According to the posting, available online at villahillsky.org and nkadd.org, those seeking the position should have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public or business administration, or a related field, and a minimum of 12 years experience in certified law enforcement.

The police chief's salary will be between $52,000 and $70,000. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8.

Martin said he's looking for a "good match for the city."

"I'm looking for someone with the right personality. I'm looking for a marriage," he said. "Someone who understands we are a bedroom community."

The city needs someone who can "think like a big city when it comes to crime," but at the same time realize there isn't much crime within the city, he said.

They'll look for how the personality fits within the city, Martin said. The city is also looking for "someone willing to work with the council. Not just the mayor, but the council as well."

Martin said he's planning a few rounds of interviews, the first of which will be held with candidates from outside the city.

He's hoping to extend an offer to a candidate between the third and fourth week of April. In the interim, specialist Mel Wright is leading the department.

Despite the controversy surrounding and scrutiny on the city's police department, Martin doesn't expect the search process to be hindered.

Had Goodenough been terminated, Martin said the search then would have been more greatly affected.

But since the chief retired, "I think people will be much more interested," Martin said. He's already received a number of calls and emails about the position and has even received a resume in the mail.

Martin said he wouldn't be surprised to receive between 50 and 75 resumes.

Goodenough's disciplinary hearing came after Martin filed a 64-page complaint March 12.

According to the mayor's complaint, Martin concluded "that probable cause exists of inefficiency, misconduct (rude behavior), insubordination, violation of the law and violation of city policies, including police department policies," sufficient to seek Goodenough's dismissal.

The charges levied against Goodenough by the mayor were also dropped.

Martin made the announcement around 1:30 a.m. March 25 after council members returned from an executive session lasting more than four hours.

"As of tonight, I've agreed to drop all charges against Chief Goodenough," Martin said after the council returned to open session. "Along with that, Chief Goodenough has agreed to retire, effective immediately."